Louis Smith visit is an Easter treat for South Essex

GYMNASTICS superstar Louis Smith made a welcome visit to South Essex Gymnastics Club over Easter.

The Huntingdon Gymnastics Club member was in Essex to see his celebrity girlfriend Lucy Mecklenburgh and made use of the world-class training facilities in Basildon.

Louis, 25, who has just won pommel gold at the British Championships, was happy to pose for photographs and chat to the up and coming gymnasts at the club (pictured above).

The former Strictly Come Dancing champion is the second gymnastics star and TV celebrity to visit the Basildon Sporting Village-based club this year after retired Great Britain legend and ex Dancing On Ice winnner, Beth Tweddle, 30, dropped by in January.

South Essex’s director of coaching Scott Hann said: “To have someone of Louis’ standing here, especially after the recent visit of Beth, is great – especially for our young gymnasts.

“Louis has become a household name after his TV work but he also remains one of the country’s best gymnasts too.

“His recent pommel display at the British Championships was the best I have seen from him since London 2012.

“And we now have our own gymnastics star here in Max Whitlock too, who is Louis’ GB team-mate and big pommel horse rival.

“So our club is a really great place at the moment for any young gymnast because they are around some of the sport’s top role models.”